Recovery Update

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park will offer limited access this summer

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park was damaged by flooding following the failure of the Taum Sauk Reservoir in December 2005. The park has closed for redevelopment but progress is being made.

The department had hoped to open the shut-ins area of the park for swimming for the summer of 2008. A part of this plan involved development of a new trail and boardwalk to the shut-ins. Several significant snow and ice events during the winter and repeated flooding during the spring have prevented construction from progressing as planned. Weather conditions have also hindered work on installing new underground utility lines.

Because the boardwalk and utility work will not be completed as expected, the department will not be able to open the shut-ins area of the park for swimming as scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend. The new goal is to have the shut-ins open for swimming on June 26. This new date will also depend on the weather, which will affect progress on construction projects and river levels. River levels must be low enough for clean out of any debris in the shut-ins, which is necessary for safety reasons.

The department hopes to have the park open in 2009.

For more information and photos of the progress in the park and some of the damage from weather conditions, check below.

Weather delays anticipated opening of Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Boardwalk

The boardwalk to the shut-ins is being totally replaced with one that is wider and is fully accessible to people with disabilities. The overlook is also being replaced. View photos of the area after the old boardwalk and overlook were removed; construction on the new boardwalk and overlook; and portions of the new boardwalk that are complete

Parking Areas

The parking areas and picnic areas will be constructed with a new design using pervious pavers. The pavers, shown in the photos as wafflelike material, are placed first then filled and covered with material. The pervious pavers will let water soak onto the ground, preventing run-off and potential flooding that can sometimes happen with solid surfaces. View photos of the pervious pavers and their installation

Trails

A trail system is being developed in the main day-use area of the park so visitors can access the river and main places within the valley of the park. The trail surface is material made from ground red granite from the local area. Recent flooding also has impacted the trail construction. View photos of the trail and how it has been impacted by flooding

Goggins Mountain Trail -- Goggins Mountain Trail is closed for the construction of the new campground as part of the park redevelopment efforts.

Ozark Trail -- Because of construction taking place in the valley, the Ozark Trail through Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park remains closed. Construction is pending on a new route that will avoid the damaged areas and construction zones. When complete, this new trail segment will follow the East Fork of the Black River high above the shut-ins with nice views of the river valley and rejoin the original route further downstream. New trailheads and backpack campsites are included in the park redevelopment plan.

Until this new segment opens, the Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail remains closed through the valley of the East Fork of the Black River. This includes access to the shut-ins and the main park valley. From the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park trailhead, hikers may hike to Mina Sauk Falls or continue into Taum Sauk Creek valley as far as the "trail closed" sign, approximately five miles from the trailhead. No access is permitted beyond the closed sign.

The Western Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail from Highway A at Bell Mountain Trailhead to Highway N is now open. There is no parking available where the Ozark Trail meets Highway N.

Stone Work

Many of the smaller rocks and boulders that were deposited in the park during the reservoir breach are now being used for different projects within the park. View photos of how these rocks are being used in headwalls at culverts and seat walls

Utilities

Installation of new electric lines underground will provide service while reducing visual intrusions. View photos of installation

River Restoration

The East Fork of the Black River has been cleaned of the sand and debris deposited by the reservoir breach. New riffles, pools and river bends have been constructed to reduce gravel movement through the shut-ins, and restore the natural stream environment through this part of the park. The river banks are held together by structures built from natural materials such as root wads and river boulders, while the native trees and shrubs that were planted begin to take root along the shoreline and riparian zones. View photos of the river

Goggins Mountain Campground

The park redevelopment plan includes moving the campground to the Goggins Mountain area of the park. Clearing and grading for the roads and drainage are well under way. The recent flooding has created problems in this area as well. View photos of construction and some of the problems associated with the flooding

Long-term Conceptual Development Planning

Engineering and architectural design work on the long-term conceptual development plan has begun. The proposed redevelopment plan for Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park was made available online and presented to the public at several open houses during August 2006. The plan was approved in the fall of 2006 by the Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri State Park Advisory Board. View overall park plan | View campground plan

Other Agencies Responses
Ameren
Video of Cleanup Results - April 4, 2006
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
U.S. Geological Survey

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